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| backround. we farm 4,000 acres in central south dakota. our rotation consists of 800-1500 of wheat, 700-1200 soybeans, 800-1300 ac of corn, and 300-800 ac of sunflowers. i'm harvesting 95% on our own but i feel like it is costing way too much to do it. i have an 06 8010 with 36 ft flexdraper and a 12 row drago cornhead with sunflower attachments, this machine covers 2500-3000 ac a year when she runs well. i've put a lot of money in all the upgrades but it is still an 8010. i also have a jd 9650 with a 1243 and a 630f which is just an anchor that keeps me busy in the shop. my dad thinks we need 2 combines, and if they ran well all the time i'm all for it, and if we had 3 truck drivers and 2 grain cart drivers(for corn) it works great. I don't have the man power to run a harvest crew like that. my question is if I double down and trade machines to get a 8120 or 9120, or JD 9870, or hell even a Lexion(scares me because i'm just really familiar with red now) go with 1 reliable machine and do as much as i can with that and hire some out. I hate throwing money out like that but i alsohate a 18,000 maintenance bill on the 9650 as well. the 8010 is about 7,000 annually (includes all repairs,tires, oooppsy's and what not) also includes running it thru machine shop every 2 years. I love the capacity of my 8010 just sick of the small stuff that keeps me sidelined for an hr here and there. i feel like i could do +3,000 ac with 1 good machine and hire out 1,000 ac. i have a great working relationship with a harvest crew that i've worked with in the past. just kicking around the idea... | |
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combine dilemna
